Writes Cheryl Clarke, Director of Drama
This week, it has been the turn of our Drama Technical Team to take centre stage. The process of transforming the Great Hall into the bustling streets of Broadway ready for the Joint Production of Guys and Dolls is well underway.
Thomas B. (U6th) began his dramatic journey in the Fourth Form by turning up to Technical Theatre Club. Four years later, he prepares to take on a major Technical Leadership role in the Joint Musical, and you can read more about his journey below.
With the show opening in less than two weeks, tickets are selling fast with limited allocated seating remaining for the Friday evening performance. Please do come along and support the fantastic pupils from Merchant Taylors’ and St Helen’s in the cast, crew and band. Remaining tickets can be purchased here.
Writes Thomas B. (U6th)
My name is Thomas and I am the Digital Stage Manager for the upcoming Joint Production. Guys and Dolls will be my second production as Digital Stage Manager and my fourth Upper School production at Taylors’. I am immensely proud to be calling this show. My journey didn’t start with a headset and a script. It started much smaller.
Where it began
First was my time assisting with the Junior Plays. I wasn’t handed responsibility; I earned it through talking with the senior members and always expressing an interest. Then I began by designing projector slides for Enron, which taught me that even the simplest cue must land at exactly the right moment to support the story. I also shadowed lighting projects, watching how a lighting designer turns a blank stage into a world. Those early productions taught me the habits I still rely on today: be it technical competence itself or the vastly important communication skills that I use to talk to my team throughout the process.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
The Curious Incident was a real turning point. The show’s innovative staging meant we couldn’t rely on the usual solutions. The introduction to a different lighting rig, with LEDs lining a grid in the stage floor was challenging because so many technical elements had to work in perfect harmony with the actors’ movement. But it was also an opportunity. It taught me that technical theatre is problem-solving under pressure, and that the best ideas often come when the team is willing the reshape the familiar for an exciting chance to bring in something new. I learned to communicate clearly across departments, and to stay calm when something didn’t work the first time, because in theatre it rarely does.
West Side Story
West Side Story further expanded my knowledge and skillset. As Digital Stage Manager I was responsible for a large-scale musical that demanded precision: dozens of cues, a big cast, and the atmosphere of a packed Great Hall. It showed me what leadership looks like on the technical side. It isn’t about being the loudest voice. It’s about being prepared, being clear, and making everyone around you feel confident. The pride I felt when that show came together is what made me want to step into the role of DSM.
Transforming the Great Hall
One of the most special parts of any Taylors’ Musical is the transformation of the Great Hall. Coming back from October half term to see the space turned into a theatre is a truly special moment. A hall that has been used for assemblies and exams becomes a stage, and it takes a huge amount of work from the whole tech team, installing rigging, lighting, sound, staging, and making sure every audience member can see and hear, all in a space never designed to be a theatre. Everyone’s contribution, however small, helps build something bigger than any of us could manage alone.
Preparing for Guys and Dolls
So how am I preparing for Guys and Dolls? Calling a Musical in the Great Hall is a big responsibility. I’m preparing in three ways.
First, I’m learning the show inside out: the script, the score, and the rhythm of every scene change, so that I can anticipate what’s coming rather than just react to it.
Second, I’m building strong communication with every department: lighting, sound, projection, stage crew and the cast. A good DSM is the link between them all, so my job is to make sure everyone knows what’s happening and when.
And third, I’m drawing on everything I’ve learned over the years. The care I took with projector slides for Enron, the problem-solving from Curious Incident, the scale and teamwork of West Side Story. Each of those experiences has helped to prepared me for this.
Closing
Guys and Dolls holds a special meaning for me. Eleven years ago, as a much younger boy, I remember being sat in the audience for Taylors’ last production of the show, sharing the excitement of watching my father’s favourite musical. Now, in my final year here, I get to play a big part in bringing it to life. It feels like a beautifully circular finale to my time at the School.
